Dates have just been announced alongside the first Audi Gala event, giving a sneak peak at the exciting guests lined up for the Audi Dublin International Film Festival. Scheduled in 2017 to take place between 16th -26thFebruary, ADIFF sets the agenda for the year in film.

Top Irish talent Jack Reynor and Cillian Murphy are set to join cult-classic directing maestro Ben Wheatley (Kill List, High-Rise, Sightseers, A Field in England) for the exclusive Audi Gala screening of his gun-toting, 1970s-set crime caper Free Fire on Thurs Feb 23rd at 18.30 at the Savoy Cinema. Tickets are on sale now at diff.ie. More guests and events are already confirmed, but the festival line-up remains strictly under wraps at ADIFF HQ.

In Free Fire Justine (Brie Larson) has brokered a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two Irishmen (Cillian Murphy, Michael Smiley) and a gang led by Vernon (Sharlto Copley) and Ord (Armie Hammer) who are selling them a stash of guns. But when shots are fired in the handover, a heart stopping game of survival ensues.

Director Ben Wheatley said ‘It’s always very exciting to have a film at the Audi Dublin International Film Festival. Showing Free Fire feels particularly satisfying as two of its stars, Jack Reynor and Cillian Murphy, were in the audience for the screening of High-Rise in Dublin last year. Afterwards they took me out and showed me the town, and we gently drank fizzy water and were all done and dusted by 11 at night. Just how I like it. This year I hope to have some more of this moderate, sensible fun.’

Grainne Humphreys, Festival Director of ADIFF ‘One of the most distinctive and exciting talents in contemporary cinema, Ben Wheatley has assembled one of the best casts in recent memory for Free Fire. A generous and ever popular guest of the festival – I am delighted that Ben and company will join us to celebrate the deliciously black comedy which will dazzle audiences on February 23rd.’

Richard Molloy, Head of Marketing and Product from Audi Ireland said ‘We are really looking forward to year two of our relationship with the festival, in addition to hosting Cillian Murphy, Jack Reynor and Ben Wheatley at what will be a star-studded Audi Gala screening of Free Fire. The Audi Dublin International Film Festival always attracts the best film talent from both Ireland and abroad, and this year’s lineup will certainly attract even more attendees to the 2017 festival.’

The much-coveted Festival season tickets have just gone on sale at the brand new website www.diff.ie. Getting your hands on one of these gold-dust passes is the only way to guarantee your entry to the full Festival line-up, including all galas and guest events. Gift vouchers are also available online now – a great way to give film lovers a touch of glamour to look forward to in the New Year.

The Dublin International Film Festival is sponsored by Audi, and funded by The Arts Council and The Irish Film Board. Key partners and funders include hotel partner The Merrion Hotel, print transport partner Wells Cargo, post-production partner Windmill Lane and media partners Entertainment.ie, 98FM, The Times & The Sunday Times.

Tickets for Audi Gala screening of Free Fire, ADIFF season tickets and gift vouchers are available now at www.diff.ie.